We have an important article contribution for you today! I think you will really enjoy this guest post with valuable information to learn about air exchange, ventilation, and air health.

Even before the ongoing pandemic, indoor air quality has been an important consideration. Ensuring proper air movement is as beneficial as keeping the building clean and tidy.

However, air quality isn’t simply achieved with an air freshener and a countertop air purifier. True air quality comes from proper air change rates throughout a home or building. Attaining a balanced air change rate provides lower energy costs and cleaner air to breathe. And clean air doesn’t simply smell nice—it is healthy, too.

With that in mind, here will discuss the importance of air change rates, and why air health is essential.

What Does Air Change Rate Mean?

Air change rate is a measurement of the air exchange in a room. In other words, it is how many times a room receives new air from outside. Passive ventilation is the traditional means of air exchange. This includes open windows, fans, and manual exhaust systems. Passive ventilation is the primary form of air change in many parts of the world. However, though many feature designs to pull in fresh air, passive systems are at the mercy of the weather. For example, uncontrollable factors such as temperature and wind can impact passive ventilation.

Alternatively, HVAC systems, including central air conditioning, are types of active ventilation. These powered systems achieve specific air change rates, based on the building itself. Active systems rely on specific input, such as temperature and humidity. Because of this, they provide a more consistent change rate. This leads to greater health benefits when used correctly.

Why Air Exchange and Ventilation Are Important

Buildings rely on airflow for more than fresh air. Air change rates affect temperature and humidity, as well. A well-ventilated building will be better able to control the indoor climate. This will benefit everyone inside.

Additionally, controlled airflow through an active ventilation system reduces pollutants throughout the home. Ensuring a building has clean, fresh air is essential in the current pandemic. However, ensuring that old air is removed from the building is just as important. Without proper exhaust and air exchange, harmful pollutants won’t leave the building.

In fact, ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) has stated that adhering to the specified airflow of specific HVAC systems is essential for proper ventilation of contaminated air. Along with filters with a minimum efficiency rating of at least 13, air change can help keep you and your family safe.

Air exchange and ventilation are also responsible for:

Removing pollutants such as smoke particles and allergens.
Reducing malodorous elements, including pet odors.
Removing dangerous particles from the air before they can contaminate surfaces.
Reducing fatigue and headaches while improving cognitive function.

Of course, there is also the benefit of having a home that smells nice. Air freshener products trap malodorous molecules. These particles then vent out of the home during an air change cycle. When your home or building is healthy and inviting, it should smell the same.

What Affects Air Change Rate?

In simple terms, ensuring the easy flow of air within your home is important. Still, many factors can influence air change rates, even if your HVAC system is perfectly dialed in.

Besides the air change rate of an HVAC system, a building will also have minimum air change rates. These are calculated based on room size, occupancy, and room usage. Screens, heavy furniture, and closed doors will also affect the air change rate of an entire house. Even when you don’t want to turn on your HVAC, you should always ensure optimal ventilation. For example:

Use lighter furniture, such as wicker and bamboo, to help increase circulation.
Use screens on doors and windows to create safe cross-ventilation.
Install a solar chimney to siphon warmer air out and cooler air in.

Natural ventilation can achieve the same benefits as active systems, but only when the weather and other factors are favorable. Along with ease of control, active systems can guarantee the health of your indoor air. With added filters, indoor and outdoor pollutants and allergens should be kept to a minimum.

It pays to understand air change rates. A well-ventilated building is essential for health. Air exchange reduces condensation and mildew; it also removes harmful pollutants. And in today’s world of viruses and heightened air transmission knowledge, air change is more relevant than ever. With filters and vigilance, you can thus keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.

Bio: Rachel is an Outreach Associate with North Star Inbound. An honors graduate of New York University, she contributes home improvement, landscaping and renovation pieces. When not writing, she enjoys gardening with her mom and spending time in the Florida sunshine.